Senior Photographer

How to Apply

A cover letter is required and should appear as the first page of your resume. Use it to share why this position excites you, highlight the skills and experience that make you a strong match, and include a link to a portfolio featuring 15-20 of your best images that reflect the work done at Michigan Photography, plus at least one photo essay or multi-image project. Applications missing any of these pieces will not be reviewed.

Job Summary

Michigan Photography--nationally recognized for delivering professional photography to the University of Michigan community, the media, and the public, and the exclusive provider of still imagery for U-M Athletics--is seeking a skilled, creative, and experienced photographer to join our team. As the visual storytelling arm of the Office of the Vice President for Communications, we capture the spirit of Michigan through portraits, event coverage, athletics photography, and narrative-driven image creation. Our work helps shape how the university is seen, remembered, and celebrated. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects, collaborate with talented creatives, and help define the visual identity of a world-class institution. The position reports directly to the Director of Michigan Photography.

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off, including family care and maternity and parental leaves
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions after one year
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Dental coverage
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Responsibilities*

As part of our creative team, you'll tell the story of campus life through images across news, marketing, and social platforms. You'll create portraits in studio and on location, and photograph athletics, capturing peak action in fast-paced environments. You'll provide excellent client service from first contact through final delivery, often working independently, remotely, and on tight turnaround, editing images immediately after assignments to meet deadlines. This role routinely moves audio/visual equipment weighing up to 50 pounds across campus to client locations, as well as remaining in a stationary position throughout the entire shift, including evenings and weekends.

Skills You Have

• Collaborative / Team Player - Although most assignments are one-person jobs, sharing expertise and growing from experiences are necessary tools for a team of diverse photographers to remain cohesive. Be ready to assist wherever is needed, even if you are not directly assigned. 
• Flexible / Adaptable - Our schedule is complex and ever-changing. You may not have the same two days off every week. Last-minute assignments may arise.
• Communication - Every assignment is different; it's important to understand each client's needs to be adequately prepared and overdeliver. There will also be constant communication with the front desk regarding scheduling, invoicing, and client needs & expectations.  
• Leadership - We are looking for someone who is comfortable guiding a team and taking the lead on projects, even though you will be new to the office.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree (Equivalent combination of education and professional experience will be considered)
• 15+ years of professional photography experience
• Experience with Nikon camera systems and Profoto lighting preferred, but not necessary
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud, PhotoMechanic, and Google Suite
• Comfortable working in professional digital workflows, including file management, color correction, and editing for multiple platforms
• Experience with digital asset management systems, including organizing, tagging, archiving, and maintaining metadata standards
• Strong photo-editing and retouching skills while maintaining authenticity

Work Schedule

Based in the Michigan Photography studio on U-M's central campus in Ann Arbor, with a hybrid schedule including studio work, on-location shoots, and remote work. This is a full-time, 40-hour role that regularly includes paid overtime, plus evening and weekend assignments tied to event coverage. Occasional overnight travel outside Michigan is required. This role involves traveling to various locations on and off campus to set up audio/visual equipment. Most work will be in Ann Arbor, but you may have assignments in Detroit, Dearborn, Flint, Lansing, and even Grand Rapids.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.